Adjustable support and guide mechanism for electric iron cord



Nov. 16, 1965 J. KAPOTA 3,218,010

ADJUSTABLE SUPPORT AND GUIDE MECHANISM FOR ELECTRIC IRON CORD Filed Feb. 19, 1964 s Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. 9

FIG. 7

JACO B KA POTA INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY NOV. 16, 1965 J, KAPOTA 3,218,010

ADJUSTABLE SUPPORT AND GUIDE MECHANISM FOR ELECTRIC IRON CORD Filed Feb. 19, 1964 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 JACOB KAPOTA 1N VEN TOR.

Nov. 16, 1965 J, KAPOTA 3,218,010

ADJUSTABLE SUPPORT AND GUIDE MECHANISM FOR ELECTRIC IRON CORD 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Feb. 19, 1964 I .I i 18 I] i 10 g ..I

I I I 25 I 57 g 5 1" JACOB KAPOTA PK; 6 INVENTOR nited States This invention relates to electric irons, such as those used in industrial establishments, such as laundries, clothing and ladies garment manufacturing plants, and is particularly directed to an adjustable support and guide mechanism for the cord of the electric iron to keep the cord out of the way of the operator, while the iron is In use.

It is particularly directed to electric irons used in industrial establishments to facilitate the use of the iron, and to reduce content of the cord with the hot iron and therefore the burning of the insulation and wrapping of the cord to a minimum.

The primary object of the invention is to provide a combination holder and guide mechanism for the cord of an electric iron, which is readily adjustable and adaptable, so that it will support the cord of the iron, regardless of the position of the iron, and the position of the operator, relative to the iron.

Another object is to provide a combination support and guide mechanism for the cord of an electric iron, which is constructed in such a manner that it can be mounted either on the wall adjacent the iron, or supported by a base which rests on or is attached to the floor of the location in which the iron is used.

A primary feature of the invention is that the cord is supported on a long pivotally supported arm, by a pulley or carrier slidably and adjustably fitted to the pivoted arm, so that the cord will follow the position of the iron regardless of the relative positions of the iron and the cord support mechanism.

Another feature of the invention is that the pivoted arm is supported by a tubular vertical standard, means being provided within the vertical standard for restoring the pivoted arm to its normal substantially horizontal position after it is displaced by the tension of the cord of the iron against the pulley or carrier which slidably supports the cord on the pivoted arm of the apparatus.

Another feature is that an extension of the pivoted arm is of substantially circular cross-section, the pulley or carrier supporting the cord being supported on the pivoted arm by a plurality of rollers, which provide substantially universal adjustment between the cord and the pivoted arm.

Another feature of the invention is that the tubular vertical standard can either be used independently and supported by a board, or other support means, or telescopically fitted to a tubular vertical support member, which is supported by a base which rests on or is attached to the floor, thus providing a vertical adjustment between the vertical standard and the floor, on which the tubular support member and base combination is supported.

Another feature is that a combination electrical connector socket and switching mechanism is provided, either on the vertical tubular support member, which supports the vertical standard of the apparatus, or on the board or other means used for attaching the vertical standard to the wall, to facilitate connecting the cord of the electric iron to the electrical voltage supply source, and also to provide convenient switching means for turning the voltage for the electric iron on and otf, while the iron is in use.

Another feature of the invention is that a combination spring mechanism and air-operated cylinder is provided within the tubular vertical standard to automatically restore the pivoted arm to its normal substantially horizontal position after it is angularly displaced by the cord while in use.

Another feature is that the entire apparatus is relatively simple and compact, so that it can be adjusted by a relatively unskilled operator, without special tools, other than the tools normally readily available, such as screwdrivers, wrenches, and the like.

Another feature of the invention is that the vertical standard can be attached to the wall, or to a board or other support means attached to the wall, by a relatively unskilled operator, Without special tools, other than the tools normally available, such as screw drivers and other simple hand tools.

Another feature is that the entire apparatus is relatively simple and compact, so that the entire unit can be produced at relatively low cost, and assembled and adjusted by relatively unskilled operators, using relatively inexpensive tools.

The accompanying drawings, illustrative of one embodiment of the invention, and a modification thereof, together with the description of their construction and the method of operation, mounting, support, adjustment and utilization thereof, will serve to clarify further objects and advantages of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a vertical section through the tubular vertical standard, and a partial longitudinal section and partial front elevational view of the horizontal support arm pivotally supported by the vertical standard, showing the combination spring means and air-operated cylinder used for restoring the horizontal support arm to its normal substantially horizontal position after it is angularly displaced, also showing the pivoted arm moved to a displaced angular position in dot-dash lines.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the vertical standard attached to a board or other support means, which is attached to a wall, to support the vertical standard and the other parts of the apparatus while they are in use.

FIG. 3 is a vertical section and partial front elevational view of the tubular support member, which is mounted on a floor stand or base, showing the method of slidably and telescopically fitting the vertical standard to the tubular support member.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section through the bracket attached to the vertical standard, which pivotally supports the horizontal pivoted support arm, showing the means for adjustably connecting one end of the pivoted arm to a rod reciprocatively fitted to the vertical standard.

FIG. 5 is a cross-section through the carrier, which is slidably fitted to the horizontal arm to slidably support the cord of the iron, the section being taken on the line 55, FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a modified perspective view of the combination cord support and guide apparatus showing the electric iron, and the method of supporting and guiding the cord attached to the electric iron by means of the support and guide mechanism.

FIG. 7 is a vertical section through a plastic bushing of arcuate cross-section, which is shown in FIG. 1, the bushing being used for guiding the end of the pivoted arm relative to the reciprocating rod mounted within the tubular vertical standard, shown in FIG. 1, the section being taken on the line 77, FIG. 9.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the bushing shown in FIGS. 1, 7 and 9.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the bushing, shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, showing the parallel-faced slot through the center of the bushing, which receives the reciprocating rod supported by the tubular vertical standard to allow the pivoted arm, which is supported by the tubular vertical standard to be angularly displaced, relative to the tubular vertical standard.

It will be understood that the following description of the construction and the method of operation and adjustment of the Adjustable Support and Guide Mechanism for Electric Iron Cord, is intended as explanatory of the invention and not restrictive thereof.

In the drawings, the same reference numerals designate the same parts throughout the various views, except where otherwise indicated.

One embodiment of the construction shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, comprises a tubular vertical standard 111, having a cylindrical reciprocating rod 11, slidably fitted thereto.

An arm support member 12 having a pair of parallel plate flanges 14, 15 integral with the upper end thereof, is attached to the upper end of the vertical standard.

A cylindrical support shaft 16 is pivotally mounted between the plate flanges 14, 15, a pivot pin or bolt 17, inserted through the plate flanges 14, 15 pivotally support ing the shaft 16.

A normally horizontal support arm 18, consisting of the support shaft and a tubular extension 19, which is attached to the free end of the support shaft 16, the shaft being slidably fitted to the interior of the extension of the support arm, as shown in FIG. 1.

The right-hand end of the support shaft has a central flange 20 integral therewith and extending outward therefrom, the fiange 21) being angularly positioned relative to the longitudinal axis of the support shaft, for reasons hereinafter described.

As shown in FIG. 4, the flange 211 has a parallel-faced oval opening 21 therethrough, the opening receiving the upper end of the reciprocating rod 11.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, a substantially U-shaped carrier 22 is slidably fitted to the circumferential outer surface of the extension of the support arm, the carrier having a hook 24, inserted through and rotatably attached to the lower end thereof, to slidably support the cord 25 of an electric iron shown in FIG. 6.

The carrier 22 has a pair of parallel flanges Z7, 23 integpal therewith, the flanges sliding against the outer circumference of the tubular extension of the support arm.

A V-shaped shaft 311 of cylindrical form i inserted through the upper portion of the flanges 27, 28 of the carrier. A pair of cylindrical rollers 32, 33 of arcuate outer contour is rotatably fitted to the angularly positioned sections of the shaft 30, the rollers engaging the I outer circumference of the tubular extension of the support arm 18 to slidably support the carrier 22.

A cylindrical stop stud 34 is located adjacent the free end of the extension of the support arm, the stud having a reduced diameter cylindrical portion 35 integral therewith, which is pressed into or otherwise inserted into the outer wall of the tubular extension of the Support arm, as shown in FIG. 1, the stop stud limiting the outward movement of the rollers 32, 33 of the carrier 22.

In order to provide wide freedom of movement of the cord 25 of the electric iron, the support arm may be displaced from its normal horizontal position, shown in F IG. 1, to the angular position shown by dot-dash lines in FIG. 1.

A threaded end 37 is integral with, or attached to the right-hand end of the tubular extension of the support arm 18. A tapered nut 39 having an annular channel 39 cut into the rear portion thereof is threadably fitted to the threaded and split end 37 of the tubular extension of the support arm, a packing ring 41 made of a suitable packing material being fitted to the annular channel to seal the nut around the tubular support arm. The nut 39 provides a longitudinal adjustment between the tubular extension of the support arm 18 and cylindrical support shaft 16, thus adjusting the length of the support arm.

In order to restore the support arm 18 to its normal horizontal position, shown in FIG. 1, a combination spring and air cylinder mechanism is fitted to the interior of the tubular standard 19, as shown in HG. 1. This mechanism is now to be described.

The elongated opening slot 21 through the projecting flange 21) of the support shaft 16 is fitted to the outer circumference of the reciprocating rod 11, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4.

A coiled compression spring -11 i inserted in the upper portion of the tubular standard 10, the upper end of the spring engaging a flat tubular washer 42, which is fixedly attached to the interior of the tubular standard.

The bottom coil 46 of the compression spring 41 is attached to tie reciprocating rod 11, so that as the reciprocating rod 11 is moved upward by moving the sup port arm to the displaced position, shown by dot-dash lines, in FIG. 1, the spring 41 is compressed, thereby forcing the reciprocating rod and the support arm back to the normal horizontal position of the support arm after the force is released, when the support arm is displaced to its displaced angular position shown in dot-dash lines in FIG. 1.

An air piston 43 is attached to the lower end of the reciprocating rod 11. in the manner shown in FIG. 1. The piston 43 which is made of leather, or a compressible plastic material is attached to the externally threaded lower portion of the reciprocating rod.

A thin internally threaded nut 44- is thread-ably fitted to the externally threaded lower portion of the reciprocating rod 11, above the fiat portion of the piston 43. A tubular clamping nut 45, is threadably fitted to the threaded lower end of the reciprocating rod 11, the fiat upper portion of the iston being clamped between the nut 44 and the clamping nut 45, thereby causing the piston to reciprocatively move within the tubular standard 11 when the reciprocating rod is moved by the angular displacement of the support arm.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 7, 3 and 9, an oval seating member 17 having an elongated slot 18 through the center thereof is fitted to the externally threaded upper end of the reciprocating rod 11, the seating member engaging the upper edge of the elongated slot 21 through the projecting flange 21? of the support rod.

A nut 49 threadably fitted to the externally threaded upper end of the reciprocating rod 11 engages the flat upper face of the seating member 47, thereby forcing the seating member against the upper surface of the projecting flange of the support shaft.

When the support arm is displaced from its normal horizontal position shown in FIG. 1, to the angular position shown by dot-dash lines in FIG. 1, the coiled compression spring -11 is compressedin the manner hereinbefore described.

The piston attached to the lower end of the reciprocating rod is elevated by the upward movement of the reciprocating rod 11. When the support arm 18 is restored to its normal horizontal position, by the pressure of the compression spring 41, the piston 43 compresses the air in the lower portion of the tubular standard, thereby braking the movement of the reciprocating rod, and arresting the movement of the support arm from the angularly displaced position to the normal horizontal position shown in FIG. 1.

A cylindrical plug 5d having a small central opening 51 therethrough is pressed into, or otherwise attached to the lower end of the tubular vertical standard, to close the lower portion of the vertical standard.

The small opening through the center of the plug 511 restricts the passage of air through the plug 50, thereby restraining the downward movement of the reciprocating rod, thus restraining the displacement of the support arm 18 and holding it to a gradual movement.

This provides a restraining movement of the tubular support arm, and also reduces vibration of the support arm to a minimum.

FIG. 2 shows the method of supporting the vertical standard on a wall or a board plate attached to a Wall. The vertical standard 111 and the plate flanges 14, 15 attached thereto are substantially the same as those shown in FIG. 1.

The horizontal support arm 18 pivotally supported by the plate flanges 14, is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 1.

The vertical standard 10 is attached to a flat plate 53 or a board in the manner shown in FIG. 2, the board being attached to a wall, by a plurality of screws or other suitable attaching means inserted through a plurality of openings 52 through the plate 53.

A plurality of U-shaped or other type of clamping brackets 54 is fitted around the outer circumference of the vertical standard 10, each of the brackets having a pair of flat flanges 55 integral therewith and projecting outward therefrom.

Each of the flat flanges 55 has an opening 56 therethrough, a screw or other suitable attaching means being inserted through each of the openings to attach the brackets to the wall or plate 53, thus supporting the vertical standard 10 and the other portions of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

A switch and socket box or plate 57 it attached, by means of clamps not shown, to the board or plate 53 shown in FIG. 2 in the position shown in FIG. 2, or in another suitable location convenient to the operator.

A pair of two-prong or other type of sockets 59, 60 is attached to the box or plate 57, each of the sockets having a pair of rectangular, or other type of openings 61 therethrough, to receive the conventional type of twoprong plug which is attached to the end of the cord of the electric iron shown in FIG. 6.

A snap switch 62, or other type of switch, having a snap lever 63, or other suitable type of control means fitted thereto, is connected to one of the sockets 59, 60 to control the supply of voltage to the electric iron.

A second switch 69 is attached to the plate, the second switch being connected to the second socket 60 to control the voltage to a light, or other suitable means used in conjunction with the electric iron.

In this manner, the sockets 59, 60 for the plug of the electric iron, and for a light cord, or other suitable auxiliary cord, are located in the same box or plate in a convenient location for ready control by the operator.

FIG. 3 shows the method of mounting the vertical standard in a tubular support member, which is attached to a stand or base so the entire apparatus can be mounted on the floor or any other location convenient to the ironin g board and the operator.

The vertical standard 10 shown in FIG. 1, is telescopically fitted to a tubular vertical support member 65, which is attached to a floor stand or base 64, so that the entire apparatus can be mounted on the floor near the operator of the electric iron.

The lower end of the tubular support member 65 is attached to a flat plate 66, which is integral with or attached to the base 64 for example, by screws not shown. The lower portion of the tubular support member is externally threaded. A nut 67 t-hreadably fitted to the threaded lower portion of the tubular support member 65 engages the upper surface of the plate 66. A second nut 74 which is threadably fitted to the platform of the tubular support member projecting through an opening in the plate 66, engages the bottom surface of the plate 66, thereby clamping the vertical support member 65 to the plate 66, and therefore the base 64 supporting the plate.

A tapered clamping nut or sleeve 70 is threadably fitted to the externally threaded and split upper end of the support member 65, the nut having a shoulder 71 integral therewith, which receives the outer circumference of the vertical standard 10.

An annular packing ring 72 is inserted in an annular channel formed in the clamping nut 70, adjacent the shoulder 71, the packing ring engaging the outer circumference of the vertical standard to grip the vertical standard and seal the joint between the vertical standard and the tubular support member.

A combination socket and switch box or plate 57 is attached to the vertical standard to provide a convenient socket and switching mechanism similar to that shown in FIG. 2, and hereinbefore described.

The combination socket and switch box or plate is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 2, and hereinbefore described, and functions in substantially the same manner.

FIG. 6 shows the combination support and guide mechanism as used in combination with the conventional type of electric iron.

The electric iron 75 is used in conjunction with the conventional type of ironing board 76, which is supported by a stand 77.

The electric iron is supported by a bracket 78, which is in turn attached to the vertical support member by a clamping mechanism 79, shown in FIG. 6.

The cord 25, which is attached to the electric iron is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 1, the board being supported by a carrier which is fitted to the support arm of the support mechanism in the manner shown in FIG. 1.

The horizontal support arm 18 is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 1 and hereinbefore described.

The vertical standard 10 which pivotally supports the horizontal support arm 18 is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 1.

The vertical standard is telescopically supported by a tubular vertical support member, which is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 3.

The support member is supported by a stand or base 80, which is similar to that shown in FIG. 3 and hereinbefore described.

The socket and switch box combination which is attached to the tubular support member is substantially the same as that shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and hereinbefore described.

In all other respects, the cord support and guide mechanism is substantially the same as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and hereinbefore described.

In operation, the cord of the iron is inserted through the opening in the carrier 22 between the flanges 27, 28 thereof, or through the hook suspended from the carrier.

The plug attached to one end of the cord is inserted in one of the sockets in the socket and switch box in the manner shown in FIG. 6.

As the electric iron 75 i moved from the left-hand end of the ironing hand to the right-hand end thereof, the carrier 22 which supports the cord slides along the support arm 18, shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the carrier following the movement of the cord.

After the carrier with the cord fitted thereto reaches a certain position relative to the support arm 18, it tilts the support arm from the horizontal position shown in FIG. 1 to an angular position such as that shown in dotdash lines in FIG. 1.

When the iron and cord are moved back to a location near the center of the ironing board by the operator, the tension on the cord is relieved, the pivoted arm returning to its normal horizontal position shown in FIG. 1.

The carrier then follows the movement of the cord regardless of the position of the electric iron.

In this manner, the cord is always free of the hot sole plate and other portions of the electric iron, thus preventing burning of the insulation of the cord.

The cord is also kept off the floor and off the ironing board, thus avoiding any interference with the operation of the electric iron, regardless of the size of the ironing board, and the position of the cord and the electric iron relative -to the ironing board.

It also reduces tangling of the cord to a minimum and keeps the cord out of the way of the operator, thereby avoiding interference with the operator and facilitating the ironing operation.

The seating member 4'? shown in detail in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, is formed of a plastic material, metal, or other suitable material.

The upper portion of the seating member, which is flat, is of oval contour. The outer surface of the walls of the seating member are of arcuate contour 82, to facilitate seating in the oval opening 21 through the projecting flange of the support shaft.

The seating member 47 has an elongated parallel-faced slot 43 therethrough, to receive the reciprocating rod 11, fitted to the interior of the vertical standard.

The nut 49, threadably fitted to the upper end of the reciprocating rod, engages flat the upper face of the seat ing member thereby to force it against the flange The device is primarily designed for industrial applications to keep the cord away from the electric iron, off the floor and to avoid interference with the operator while he is ironing.

The vertical standard and the horizontal extending arm combination, shown in FIG. 1, may be used inde pendently by mounting it on a wall or board in the manner shown in FIG. 2, or the vertical standard may be telescopically fitted to a tubular vertical support member and supported by a floor standard in the manner shown in FIG 3.

The support arm 13 shown in FIG. 1 is normally in a horizontal position, It can be displaced angularly downward to substantially the position shown in dot-dash lines in FIG. 1, when the iron is moved to remote positions on the ironing board.

When the iron is returned to a position in which it is relatively close to the carrier 22 supporting the cord, the support arm is restored to its initial horizontal position by the coiled compression spring 41, shown in FIG. 1, in combination with the air piston mechanism fitted to the interior of the vertical standard in the manner shown in FIG. 1.

The support arm can be moved angularly downward through a normal angular range of approximately 30". It cannot be moved upward beyond the horizontal position.

it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the specific details described above as shown in the drawings, and that vari- 011 modifications are possible in carrying out the features of the invention and the operation, ctuation, and the method of mounting and utilization thereof, Without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A combination support and guide mechanism for the flexible cord of an electric iron, comprising a substantially tubular vertical member, a normally horizontal support arm pivotally supported by the vertical member, carrier means slidably fitted to the horizontal support arm, said carrier means having means attached thereto operative to support the cord of an electric iron, the support arm being angularly displaceable relative to its normally horizontal position, and means fitted to the interior of the tubular vertical member operative to restore the support arm to its normally horizontal position after it is angularly displaced by the cord.

2. A combination support and guide mechanism for the flexible cord of an electric iron, comprising a substantially tubular vertical member, a normally horizontal support arm pivotally supported by the vertical member, a carrier slidably fitted to the circumferential outer surface of the horizontal support arm, said carrier having means attached thereto operative to support the flexible cord of an electric iron, the support arm being angularly displaceable in one direction relative to its normal horizontal position, and means fitted to the interior of the tubular vertical member operative to restore the support 8 arm to its normally horizontal position after it is angularly displaced by the flexible cord.

3. A combination support and guide mechanism for the flexible cord of an electric iron, as in claim 2, in which normally horizontal support arm comprises a substantially cylindrical support shaft, means fixedly attached to one end of the vertical support member, pivot means on the last mentioned means pivotally supporting the cyl ndrical support shaft, a tubular extension attached to one end of the support shaft and extending outward therefrom, and means clamping the tubular extension to the cylindrical support shaft.

4. A combination support and guide mechanism for the flexible cord of an electric iron, as in claim 2, in which said normally horizontal support arm includes a substantially cylindrical support shaft, means fixedly attached to one end of the vertical support member, pivot means on the last mentioned means pivotally supporting the support shaft, a tubular extension attached to one end of the cylindrical support shaft, and extending outward therefrom, the cylindrical support shaft having a flange integral with the end thereof directed toward the tubular vertical member, the means fitted to the interior of the vertical support member for restoring the horizontal support arm to its normally horizontal position comprising a substantially cylindrical rod reciprocatively fitted to the interior of the vertical support member, means pivotally connecting said support shaft to said flange on the support shaft, means connecting said support shaft to said rod, a coiled compression spring fitted to the interior of the vertical support member, said spring surrounding the reciprocating rod, means cooperating with a free end of the spring and attached to the reciprocating rod to cause compression of said spring when said arm is displaced from its horizontal position, the spring being operative to move the reciprocating rod thereby to restore the horizontal support shaft to its normal horizontal position after it is angularly displaced.

5. A combination support and guide mechanism for the flexible cord of an electric iron, as in claim 2, in which the normally horizontal support arm includes a substantially cylindrical support shaft, means fixedly attached to one end of the vertical support member, pivot means on the last mentioned means pivotally supporting the support shaft, a tubular extension attached to one end of the support shaft, and extending outward therefrom, the means fitted to the interior of the vertical support member for restoring the horizontal support arm to its normally horizontal position comprising a substantially cylindrical rod, for reciprocation in the interior of the tubular vertical support member, means connecting one end of the cylindrical rod to the support shaft, a coiled compression spring fitted to the interior of the tubular vertical support member, said spring surrounding the reciprocating rod, means cooperating with a free end of the compression spring and fixed to the reciprocating rod to cause compression of said spring when said arm is displaced from its horizontal position, a piston attached to an end of the reciprocating rod near one end of the tubular vertical support member and reciprocable with said rod in said support member, and means inserted in the end of the tubular vertical support member, near the piston, operative to limit the flow of air out of the support member, the compression spring being operative to move the reciprocating rod, thereby to restore the support shaft to its normally horizontal position after it is angularly displaced, the piston attached to the re ciprocating rod being operative to compress the air in the tubular vertical support member thereby to retard the restoration of the support shaft from'its angularly displaced position to its normally horizontal position.

6. A combination support and guide mechanism for the flexible cord of an electric iron, as in claim 2, in which the horizontal support arm comprises a substantially cylindrical support shaft, a bracket fixedly attached to one end of the vertical support member and extending upward therefrom, said bracket including a pair of integral substantially parallel plate flanges, and a pivot member inserted through the plate flanges and extending through the support shaft, said pivot member being operative to pivotally support the support shaft, and the support arm supported thereby.

7. A combination support and guide mechanism for the flexible cord of an electric iron, as in claim 2, in which the normally horizontal support arm includes a substantially cylindrical support shaft, means fixedly attached to one end of the vertical support member including pivot means pivotally supporting the cylindrical support shaft, a tubular extension attached to one end of the support shaft and extending outward therefrom, and means clamping the tubular extension to the cylindrical support shaft, a cord carrier slidably fitted to the outer circumference of the tubular extension, said carrier having a pair of substantially parallel flanges integral therewith, the inner surfaces of said flanges being operative to engage the circumferential outer surface of the tubular extension, and means rotatably supported by the cord carrier operative to slidably support the flexible cord of the electric iron.

8. A combination support and guide mechanism for the flexible cord of an electric iron, as in claim 2, in which the normally horizontal support arm includes a substantially cylindrical support shaft, a bracket fixedly attached to one end of the vertical support member pivotally supporting the cylindrical support shaft, a tubular extension attached to one end of the support shaft extending outward therefrom, and means clamping the tubular extension to the cylindrical support shaft, a substantially U- shaped carrier slidably fitted to the tubular extension, said carrier having a pair of substantially parallel flanges integral therewith, said flanges being operative to engage the circumferential outer surface of the tubular extension, a cylindrical shaft supported by the flanges and extending therebetween, a plurality of rollers rotatably sup ported by the cylindrical shaft, said rollers being operative to engage the circumferential outer surface of the tubular extension, and means rotatably supported by the carrier operative to slidably support the flexible cord of the electric iron.

9. A combination support and guide mechanism for the flexible cord of an electric iron, comprising a substantially tubular vertical standard, a normally horizontal support arm pivotally supported by the tubular vertical standard, a cord carrier slidably fitted to the circumferential outer surface of the horizontal support arm, said cord carrier having means attached thereto operative to support the flexible cord of an electric iron, the support arm being angularly displaceable in a downward direction relative to the normally horizontal position of the support arm, and means fitted to the interior of the tubular vertical standard operative to restore the support arm to its normally horizontal position after it is angularly displaced by the cord.

10. In combination with a combination support and guide mechanism for the flexible cord of an electric iron, as in claim 9, a plurality of formed brackets located adjacent the circumferential outer surface of the tubular vertical standard, each of said brackets including a substantially U-shaped section, surrounding a portion of the circumferential outer surface of the tubular vertical standard, and means attaching said formed brackets to a flat substantially vertical surface.

11. In combination with a combination support and guide mechanism for the flexible cord of an electric iron, as in claim 9, a flat plate located adjacent the circumferential outer surface of the tubular vertical standard, a plurality of formed brackets located adjacent the circumferential outer surface of the tubular vertical standard, each of said formed brackets including a substantially U- shaped section, surrounding a portion of the circumferential outer surface of the tubular vertical standard, each of said formed brackets having a pair of substantially flat flanges integral therewith, the flanges being located adjacent the outer surface of the flat plate, and means attaching the flanges of said brackets to the flat plate.

12. In combination with a combination support and guide mechanism for the flexible cord of an electric iron, as in claim 9, a tubular vertical support member telescopically fitted to the outer circumference of the tubular vertical standard, a base attached to and supporting the tubular vertical support member, and means clamping the tubular vertical support member to the tubular vertical standard.

13. In combination with a combination support and guide mechanism for the flexible cord of an electric iron, as in claim 9, a tubular vertical support member telescopically fitted to the circumferential outer surface of the tubular vertical standard, and a base fixedly attached to the lower end of the tubular vertical support member, said base being operative to support the tubular vertical support member, and the tubular vertical standard fitted thereto, and a nut threadably fitted to the free end of the tubular vertical support member, said nut being operative to clamp the tubular vertical standard to the tubular vertical support member.

14. A combination support and guide mechanism for the flexible cord of an electric iron, as in claim 9, in which the normally horizontal support arm includes a substantially cylindrical support shaft, means fixedly attached to one end of the tubular vertical standard pivotally supporting the support shaft, a tubular extension adjustably attached to one end of the cylindrical support shaft, and extending outward therefrom, the cylinder support shaft having a flange integral with the end thereof directed toward the tubular vertical standard and extending outward therefrom, the means fitted to the interior of the tubular vertical standard for restoring the horizontal support arm to its normally horizontal position comprising a substantially cylindrical rod, reciprocatively fitted to the interior of the tubular vertical standard, means connecting one end of the cylindrical rod to the projecting flange of the cylindrical support shaft, a coiled compression spring fitted to the interior of the tubular vertical standard, said spring surrounding the reciprocating rod, means attaching one end of the compression spring to the reciprocating rod, a compressible piston attached to the end of the reciprocating rod, near one end of the tubular vertical standard, and means inserted in the end of the tubular vertical standard, near the piston, operative to limit the flow of air out of the tubular vertical standard, the compression spring being operative to move the reciprocating rod, thereby to restore the cylindrical support shaft to its normally horizontal position after it is angularly displaced, the piston attached to the reciprocating rod being operative to compress the air in the tubular vertical standard thereby to retard the restoration of the cylindrical support shaft from its angularly displaced positlon to its normally horizontal position.

15. A combination support and guide mechanism for the flexible cord of an electric iron, as in claim 9, in which the horizontal support arm consists of a substantially cylindrical support shaft, a bracket fixedly attached to one end of the tubular vertical standard and extending upward therefrom, said bracket including a pair of integral substantially parallel plate flanges, and a pivot member inserted through the plate flanges and extending therebetween, the pivot member extending through the support shaft, sad pivot member being operative to pivotally support the support shaft, and the support arm supported thereby.

16. A combination support and guide mechanism for the flexible cord of an electric iron, as in claim 9, in which the normally horizontal support arm includes a substantially cylindrical support shaft, means fixedly attached to one end of the tubular vertical standard pivotally supporting the cylindrical support shaft, a tubular extension adjustably attached to one end of the cylindrical support shaft and extending outward therefrom, and

means clamping the tubular extension to the cylindrical support shaft, the cord carrier slidably fitted to the outer circumference of the tubular extension being substantially U-shaped, said cord carrier having a pair of substantially parallel flanges integral therewith, the inner surfaces of said flanges being operative to engage the circumferential outer surface of the tubular extension, a substantially cylindrical shaft supported by the flanges of the carrier and extending there-between, a plurality of rollers rotatably supported by the cylindrical shaft, said rollers being operative to engage the circumferential outer surface of the tubular extension, to slidably support the Ushaped cord carrier, and means rotatably supported by the cord carrier operative to slidably support the flexible cord of the electric iron.

CLAUDE A. LE ROY,

References Qitcd by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Warner et al 248-320 Ayer et al. 24851 Bayles 248325 Palmer et al. 248-51 Craig 248-51 Pierce 248-51 Brown 24851 Myers 248-51 Garapolo et al. 248325 X Primary Examiner. 

1. A COMBINATION SUPPORT AND GUIDE MECHANISM FOR THE FLEXIBLE CORD OF AN ELECTRIC IRON, COMPRISING A SUBSTANTIALLY TUBULAR VERTICAL MEMBER, A NORMALLY HORIZONTAL SUPPORT ARM PIVOTALLY SUPPORTED BY THE VERTICAL MEMBER, CARRIER MEANS SLIDABLY FITTED TO THE HORIZONTAL SUPPORT ARM, SAID CARRIER MEANS HAVING MEANS ATTACHED THERETO OPERATE TO SUPPORT THE CORD OF AN ELECTRIC IRON, THE SUPPORT ARM BEING ANGULARLY DISPLACEABLE RELATIVE TO ITS NORMALLY HORIZONTAL POSITION, AND MEANS FITTED TO THE INTERIOR OF THE TUBULAR VERTICAL MEMBER OPERATIVE TO RE- 